South Carolina Officials Discuss Severe Weather and Flood Safety

State emergency management team holds press conference for Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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South Carolina Emergency Management Division Director Kim Stenson and members of the South Carolina Emergency Response Team, including Brigadier General Christopher Hyman of the South Carolina National Guard, John Quagliariello from the National Weather Service, and Dr. Hope Mizzell from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, will host a media availability as part of the state's 2026 Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week. They will discuss severe weather preparedness, flood safety, and emergency response plans.

Why it matters

Severe weather and flooding pose significant risks to communities across South Carolina, and the state's annual Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week aims to educate the public on how to prepare and stay safe during these events. The media availability provides an opportunity for state officials to share important information and updates directly with the public.

The details

The media availability will take place on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the South Carolina Emergency Operations Center in West Columbia. State emergency management leaders and experts will discuss topics such as severe weather forecasting, flood risk mitigation, and emergency response protocols.

  • The media availability will take place on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.

The players

Kim Stenson

Director of the South Carolina Emergency Management Division.

Brigadier General Christopher Hyman

Member of the South Carolina National Guard and part of the South Carolina Emergency Response Team.

John Quagliariello

Representative from the National Weather Service and part of the South Carolina Emergency Response Team.

Dr. Hope Mizzell

Member of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and part of the South Carolina Emergency Response Team.

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What they’re saying

“We must be prepared for the severe weather and flooding that can impact our state, and this media availability is an important opportunity to share critical information with the public.”

— Kim Stenson, Director, South Carolina Emergency Management Division (scetv.org)

What’s next

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division will continue to monitor weather conditions and provide updates to the public throughout Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week.

The takeaway

South Carolina's annual Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week is a crucial initiative to help residents prepare for and stay safe during severe weather events. The media availability allows state emergency management leaders to directly communicate with the public about important safety information and emergency response plans.